Six wireless devices, one tiny receiver with Logitech Unifying Receiver

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Whether you use a laptop or desktop machine wireless devices are likely part of your setup. Maybe its a keyboard, mouse, game controller, or some other untethered gadget, we all use them and they all require a USB connection for the receiver. The more wireless gadgets you have the more USB slots you need, which along with all the other devices we plug in, means a USB hub is probably sitting somewhere on your desk too. For laptop users especially that can be a real pain.

Logitech has realized we all use a lot of wireless devices and has decided to make life easier by launching the Logitech Unifying Receiver (LUR). With the tiny receiver plugged in you can connect up to six wireless devices through it. No more “one receiver per gadget”, if the device is compatible with the LUR then it can run without adding one.

For laptop users who use their machine at home and work this will allow you to have a mouse and keyboard at home and a set at work. You just turn on your laptop and all four will work without having to have four receivers plugged in or alternatively transporting your devices with the laptop. The LUR receiver is so small (8mm) you will hardly notice it plugged in to your machine and it won’t snag moving a laptop in or out of a bag, for example.

The only downside to using LUR is you need a compatible wireless device which means buying new kit. Logitech has two keyboards and three mice available so far, and other peripherals will surely follow. The LUR is included with the compatible device.

Matthew’s Opinion
For desktop PC users there isn’t much advantage to this unless you really don’t want a USB hub on your desk. But for laptop users who prefer a separate keyboard and mouse to the touchpad and laptop keys this is a great solution. Only one USB port required for both keyboard and mouse, and you still have room for four more devices if necessary.

Logitech benefit because they get to sell you some brand new peripherals off the back of this. I also doubt they will allow third-party peripheral manufacturers to create LUR compatible devices meaning you are tied to the company. I wouldn’t be surprised if Microsoft came up with its own alternative to this, though.

If you are in the market for a new keyboard and mouse would you consider buying into the Logitech Unifying Receiver?

Speak Your Mind

Jon Hoffman

Maybe I missed something, but wasn’t this the point of Bluetooth? Maybe Logitech and other companies should spend less time reinventing things and more time creating a greater selection of affordable peripherals that are compatible with the standard that already exists for this (bluetooth).

What a greedy, counter-productive decision. What if I like Microsoft’s keyboards better and Logitech’s mice better? I am still stuck with two adapters.